The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1887-06-20
THE COURSE OF LOVE.
Getting a Marriage License.
From the Chicago Tribune.

From the Chicago Tribune.
Mr.. M. Salmonson, who was formerly
hnarriage-icense clerk for Cook county, has
produced-probably in the belief that all
the world loves lover-a highly entertain
ing book concerning his experiences with
many thousands of persons who were on the
verge of matrimony "From the Marriape-
License Window: An Analysis of the Char
acteristics of the Various Nationalitiesn is its
title, and it is for sale by the author. The
curious crisis in the lives of people
which leads them to get permit to marry
has been found by this observant official to
bring into prominence countless variety
of amusing characteristics. 1t is clear that
the author appreciated the humor and
pathos of all he saw while looking out upon
countless bridegrooms and brides. Without
stirring from his Office stool he beheld
couples in marrying mood who hailed from
every country under the sun. He has
sketched race peculiarities, customs and
preiudices in manner which is not only
interesting but valuable. The book affords
a bright and entertaining view of Chicago's
wonderfully mixed population. There are
plenty of drol stories given. Here is one
of nervous bridegroom:
eyes he says, with little trembling in
his voice, she has been married before; She
is a widow; her name is Miss R.
SO But understood you to say that she is
widow
"'Yes, she is in a certain way, but by a
special decree she got the permit to resume
her maiden name
s'The conception of the real fact is now
clear to the mind of the clerk. Her de
ceased husband is only dead to her; it is
figurative demise, and his own living self
may be seen pacing the streets of Chicago
or some other place"
Other good things gathered at random
from the book are here given:
SIT happened once that young man
let us call him Smith-signed the affidavit
Smith & CO.. 1t was the force of habit
that made him sign the firms name. He
laughed heartily when the mistake was dis
covered Sometimes such young man has
not fixed the day for his wedding; he will
marry when he gets time.
"When young man strides UP to the
license window and, after having searched
certificates of births, certificates of vaccina-
ton, certificates of confirmation, and some
times certificate of his discharge from the
army, there is never doubt of his nation
ality-he is German. In his native coun-
try he always had to substantiate his iden-
tity on all occasions. He comes from
military country, where discipline is a law
strictly adhered to ana where any laxity of
duty is punished accordingly. AS the young
man perhaps for the first time since his
arrival in this country finds himself in a
public Office, it is quite natural that he
should prepare himself for any emergency.
He is sometimes astonished to learn that the
clerk does not care to examine his certifi-
Gates and that he can get married in Chicago
without being vaccinated.
"A young man of anything but prepoS-
sessing appearance applied for a license.
When asked to raise his hand, both wentup,
and he struck position of suspicious char
acter when caught by the police and
searched at the station. 1t was later found
out that he was really notorious person
who, in raising both hands or arms, fol-
lowed the force of habit He is now doing
time in the penitentiary.
"a groom had taken out license when
the door suddenly sprang open and his
tiancee came staggering in, throwing her
arms about his neck. She had been drink
ing, there was no doubt, for her breath told
the whole story. The couple wanted to be
married Immediately, and the groom seized
the opportunity to explain that the lady was
not drunk
g What else is the matter with herp in
terposed a bystander, on whose toes the
lady stepped with no light foot.
81 can't tell, | am sure, unless what
doctor once told me concerning myself was
true, that was loaded with too much mag
netism, that might influence my nearest
SuiIOululISS tIu DIuls1 biitlu III d h4llu VI
hypnotic or comatose condition. guess
we better postpone the wedding till to-mor-
row.
THE next day the couple returned to the
office, wishing to know where to find
justice. The bride-expectant was then in a
perfectly sober condition, while the groom
was strongly intoxicated.
'''He is not drunk, the girl explained,
but only suffering from intermittent fever.
He has for awhile been suffering, as you see
him now, every second day.
what a terrible fate2 She being in a
hypnotic condition the day he is free from
fever, and he being sick the 10, :s:hen the
effect of her hypnotic condition is over.
IAN elderly man in a very talkative mood,
having humorousiy depicted the life he had
lived with two of his deceased wives,
stretched out his hand to bid good-by to the
clerk. Without any definite intention he
was finally greeted with the words Call
again. when he suddenly, with a violent
jerk, took back his hand, remarking that he
did not enjoy that kind of joke.
"There are days in the year when a
license clerk will do well in preparing him
self for more than ordinary large throng
of applicants There are the immediate
days before the glorious Fourth, Christmas,
Thanksgiving day, and New Years"
Monday of each week is a busy day for
the license clerk 1t is thought to be lucky
day by. many, and the effect of Saturday
night balls and Sunday visits may also be
observed on the marriage-license market.
Tuesday and Wednesday are light days.
Thursday is farmers day." many couples
coming from the country to be married in
Chicago Friday being unlucky according
TO popular belief, affords little business,
while Saturday is too late in the week to be
no br,eH n Inv